10/22/10
Steelers @ Dolphins
- (Marcoccio)
Passing
Game Thoughts: While Big Ben may have shown a little rustiness
in his first week back, there’s no denying that he makes
Pittsburgh a better team. He tossed three TD passes in his return
from suspension and Pittsburgh is now the most balanced team in
the NFL. They no longer need to grind out wins behind the likes
of Dennis Dixon and Charlie Batch, and can now get in a shoot-out
with anyone, although their menacing defense makes it unlikely
that will frequently be necessary. Ben has uncanny mobility for
a QB of his size and one of the stronger arms in the NFL –
he also has one of the better possession type WRs and a great
young deep threat. It’s scary to think how good this team
can be this season.
Miami was very poor against the pass in 2009 (24th ranked, allowing
234.6 ppg and 23 TDs through the air), but looks far better during
the 2010 season as they are currently the 6th ranked pass defense
allowing 201.8 ypg and 6 TDs thus far. They have struggled to
shut down opposing TEs however and are one of the better matchups
from a fantasy perspective – allowing over 8 points per
game to TEs – so it could be a decent week to get Heath
Miller back into your line-up.
Running Game Thoughts: Rashard Mendenhall has produced big time
in Roethlisberger’s absence. While they may not call upon
him as often now that they can effectively pass the ball, the
threat of a passing game can only help open up things for the
running game, especially one that does not possess a big time
o-line. Mendenhall runs with impressive nimbleness and speed for
a back his size, although not with the power that one would expect
that comes with his frame. He doesn’t have great lateral
movement, but masks that by spinning away from defenders before
turning upfield. Ike Redman has been a fairly effective runner
when the Steelers need to give Mendy a breather, and he could
have an expanded role this week as Mendenhall deals with a shoulder
contusion. While the injury is not a major concern a sore shoulder
can be tough for a RB to deal with, so if the Steelers do manage
to get a big lead on the ‘Phins we may see a lot of Redzone
Rednman in the second half.
After a rough start to the season, Miami’s run defense has
stepped it up and has moved into the top 10 of run defenses in
the league. They are allowing 105.4 ypg and 4 TDs in the five
games they have played so far.
Projections:
Ben Roethlisberger: 245 yds passing, 2 TDs, 1 Int.
Hines Ward: 65 yds receiving, 1 TD
Mike Wallace: 60 yds receiving
Heath Miller: 85 yds receiving, 1 TD
Rashard Mendenhall: 65 yds rushing, 1 TD / 35 yds receiving
Isaac Redman: 50 yds rushing / 5 yds receiving
Passing
Game Thoughts: Chad Henne has put together some nice stat-lines
for fantasy purposes but his high interception rate is likely
a sore spot with his coaches. Brandon Marshall has certainly helped
Henne put up some nice numbers but it’s slot WR Davone Bess
that has been a real difference maker. Bess is a fine route runner
with outstanding hands and concentration but has also shown some
surprising big play ability. His emergence has been a big surprise
and Miami having a nice second option to Marshall can only help
with Henne’s development.
If you have to pick your poison, I guess it’s easier to
throw on the Steelers than run on them – which is all but
impossible. Even with their ability to make teams one dimensional,
their pass defense still ranks 12th in the NFL, allowing 233 ypg
and only 3 passing TDs on the season. Teams need to know where
James Harrison line’s up (unless of course he carries through
with his threat to retire due to the crack down on big hits :rollseyes:)
as he is a devastating pass rusher who can also drop back into
coverage.
Running Game Thoughts: Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams don’t
seem to be running as effectively as they had been the last two
seasons. Perhaps last seasons lis franc injury is still slowing
Brown down a little and maybe age has finally caught up to Ricky,
but there’s something that is obviously not right with the
pair. Both are still solid rugged runners, but the burst and speed
have been an issue which has all but eliminated any big plays
in the run game.
You just can’t run on the Steelers. They are allowing a
mere 63.8 ypg and 2 TDs so far. It’s amazing what a difference
Troy Polamalu makes.
Projections:
Chad Henne: 225 yds passing, 2 TDs, 2 Ints.
Brandon Marshall: 95 yds receiving, 1 TD
Brian Hartline: 20 yds receiving
Davone Bess: 60 yds receiving
Anthony Fasano: 10 yds receiving, 1 TD
Ronnie Brown: 45 yds rushing / 10 yds rec.
Ricky Williams: 20 yds rushing / 10 yds receiving
Prediction: Steelers 27 Dolphins 17 ^ Top
Giants @ Cowboys
- (Marcoccio)
Passing
Game Thoughts: Eli Manning continues to be under-rated
in the fantasy football community despite his consistent, and
at times outstanding, production. He is surrounded by three young
and talented WRs that each offer a different skill-set - Hakeem
Nicks is the go to stud, Steve Smith is the precise route running
security blanket and Mario Mannigham is the deep threat. Manning’s
accuracy is at times an issue, but he has shown vast improvement
in that area and is capable of taking over a game when necessary.
The Cowboys must rely on their above average pass rush in order
to rattle Manning and hope that he’ll in turn throw one
of those high passes that get tipped up for an interception as
he’s been want to do thus far this season. If they can not
manage to get to the QB, expect some big plays against the ‘Boys
secondary, despite their statistical ranking as the top pass defense
in the league (180.6 ypg and 7 TDs allowed on the season).
Running Game Thoughts: Ahmad Bradshaw has worked his way into
the mix of top 10 fantasy RBs with his performance so far this
season. Despite getting vultured for two TDs by Brandon Jacobs
last week, his 143 yards of total offense surely helped his owners.
His use of his deceptive strength and stunning moves to always
gain positive yardage has earned him the lion’s share of
carries in the Giants backfield, but unfortunately it seems Brandon
Jacobs could be the back the Giants use once the reach the redzone.
Cowboys are the third ranked run defense, as they have allowed
only 108.3 rushing yards per game and 3 rushing TDs on the season.
Top pass defense and 3rd ranked run defense, how exactly is this
team 1-4?
Projections:
Eli Manning: 255 yds passing, 1 TD, 1 Int.
Steve Smith: 50 yds receiving
Mario Manningham: 50 yds receiving
Hakeem Nicks: 105 yds receiving, 1 TD
Kevin Boss: 35 yds receiving
Brandon Jacobs: 35 yds rushing, 1 TD / 5 yds receiving
Ahmad Bradshaw: 95 yds rushing / 20 yds receiving
Passing
Game Thoughts: Don’t look now but WR Roy Williams
has scored 5 TDs in his last 3 games. It’s still Mile Austin
and TE Jason Witten that are the players that fantasy owners can
truly rely on as they offer the talent and targets necessary for
consistent production – but Williams has now earned his
way into starting line-ups across the country with his recent
hot streak. Dez Bryant has been a disappointment, but fans must
realize that he is a rookie subject to growing pains, and his
health has been at issue all season. The talent is obviously there
and he could therefore break out on any given week.
The Giants’ pass defense has made top tier fantasy QBs like
Jay Cutler and Matt Shaub look pedestrian in recent weeks and
Tony Romo is now on their radar. Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck
are playing lights out and striking fear into opposing QBs, allowing
the Giants secondary to look better than it probably is. The Giants
are allowing only 172.2 ypg and 7 TDs through the air in 2010,
so while at first glance this may look like a shoot out, their
will be two really good defenses lined up on Monday Night.
Running Game Thoughts: Felix Jones has finally become “the
man” in the Cowboys backfield and he has been getting the
job done. Felix has bulked up, looking stronger, but may have
sacrificed some of his big play ability as he appears a little
slower on the field. He’s still a dangerous weapon however.
Marion Barber, still starts the game but has seen his role diminished
mostly to third downs and short yardage. He has been very successful
in the short yardage role, so perhaps the Cowboys are onto something
here. If only OC Jason Garrett didn’t fall in love with
the passing game once the whistle blows, the Cowboy running game
could just be fantasy gold.
The Giants held the NFL’s leading rusher, Arian Foster,
to 25 yards rushing and rookie sensation Jahvid Best to 16 yards
rushing in consecutive weeks. On the season they have allowed
92.8 ypg and 4 TDs on the ground. The Cowboys just may have a
reason to abandon the run this week.
Projections:
Tony Romo: 285 yds passing 2 TDs, 2 Ints. / 15 yds rushing
Roy Williams: 75 yds receiving
Miles Austin: 90 yds receiving, 1 TD
Dez Bryant: 25 yds receiving
Jason Witten: 70 yds receiving, 1 TD
Felix Jones: 50 yds rushing, 1 TD / 40 yds receiving
Marion Barber: 35 yds rushing / 5 yds receiving
Prediction: Cowboys 24 Giants 21
^ Top
Redskins @ Bears
- (Autry)
Passing
Game Thoughts: The good news regarding Donovan McNabb from
a fantasy perspective is he’s thrown one TD in each of the
last five games. The bad news is he’s also thrown at least
one interception in his last four. McNabb has the sixth-most passing
yards in the league, but his five passing TDs put him at the bottom
of the list next to guys named Bruce Gradkowski and Seneca Wallace.
While McNabb is now only a bye week replacement, perhaps it could
be the lack of receiver depth on the roster. Essentially, the
Redskins’ passing attack is centered around WR Santana Moss
and TE Chris Cooley. These two account for well over 50 percent
of the team’s total receptions. For McNabb to take his game
to the next level, he’s going to need someone else besides
Moss and Cooley to step up. By the way, Cooley is battling through
a concussion, but it looks like he will play.
Here’s a strange statistical anomaly: the Bears rank 19th
in the league against the pass but no team has given up fewer
passing TDs than the Bears’ three. And while DE Julius Peppers
has only two sacks, he remains someone Washington’s O-line
must be aware of at all times. Washington won’t put up a
ton of points in this game, but as long as your expectations of
the Redskins’ passing attack are within reason, we should
see the kind of performance that we’ve seen so far in 2010:
good but not great fantasy production across the board.
Running Game Thoughts: A running back situation that at the beginning
of the season looked as murky as any in the league with Clinton
Portis, Larry Johnson and Willie Parker vying for playing time
has morphed into one of only a handful of non-RBBCs. Ryan Torain
has taken over the running duties after Portis was injured several
weeks ago and responded with a 100 yard, 2 TD performance against
the Colts. It should be noted, too, that Torain is a Mike Shanahan
guy from their days in Denver, and perhaps the coach may stick
with Torain for the balance of the season even when Portis comes
back in about a month. Chicago’s run defense has as weird
a statistical anomaly as its pass defense: they’re the third-ranked
run defense but only five teams have given up more rushing TDs.
That being said, expect Washington to rely heavily on Torain,
who should score at least one TD.
Projections:
Donovan McNabb – 220 yards / 1 TD / 1 INT
Ryan Torain – 75 yards / 1 TD
Santana Moss – 85 yards
Joey Galloway – 35 yards
Chris Cooley – 60 yards / 1 TD
Passing
Game Thoughts: It’s been well documented so far this
season that Chicago’s offensive line has struggled mightily.
From blitzes off the edge to D-linemen simply dominating the Bears’
O-line, it’s been an ugly scenario with Chicago. Certainly
Jay Cutler’s value has plummeted since his week 2 dismantling
of the Cowboys because of the sieve that is Chicago’s offensive
line. Consequently, he’s now a risky start each week—not
necessarily because of a lack of production, but rather because
he seems to have a greater chance of being knocked out the game.
The high-risk passing scheme orchestrated by offensive coordinator
Mike Martz, coupled with the struggles of the offensive line make
for a nasty scenario under which Cutler must produce.
And much like McNabb, a lack of offensive weaponry could also
play a part in Cutler’s recent tailspin. Since his 649 yard,
five TD, one INT start through the first two games of the season,
Cutler’s production has fallen off the table to the tune
of 553 yards, one TD and two INTs in his last three. Doesn’t
make for a high degree of confidence from a fantasy owner’s
perspective, does it? But here’s a silver lining: Washington
has the league’s 31st-ranked pass defense, so if Cutler
and the Bears’ passing attack is to do something soon, there’s
no better time to do it than at home against a susceptible defense.
Running Game Thoughts: Many looked at Matt Forte’s 2009
season and turned their nose up at his prospects for 2010. After
being a top-5 pick last year, his value nosedived and he became
a top RB2 in most leagues this season because of it. He’s
not quite averaging 4 yards per carry, and Chester Taylor splits
the carries 2-to-1, but Forte does lead the team in receptions
and receiving TDs. No other RB in the league can say that. Washington’s
run defense is in the bottom-third of the league and has surrendered
at least 100 yards on the ground every game this year except the
Houston contest in week 2. Expect Forte to be the featured offensive
weapon in this game. Short dump-off passes should supplement his
production as the primary ball carrier. Taylor gets his share
of playing time, but not too much where it affects Forte’s
production. Start Forte with confidence.
Projections:
Jay Cutler – 215 yards / 1 TD / 1 INT
Matt Forte – 60 yards rushing / 35 yards rec
Johnny Knox – 65 yards
Devin Hester – 40 yards
Earl Bennett – 20 yards
Greg Olsen – 35 yards / 1 TD
Prediction: Washington 17, Chicago
13 ^ Top
Bills @ Ravens
- (Autry)
Passing
Game Thoughts: Ok, something’s gotta give in this
game. Baltimore’s top-3 pass defense goes up against a getting-hot
Ryan Fitzpatrick. Before you laugh, consider the fact that Fitzpatrick
has been turnover-free the last two games while tossing five TDs
with an average passer rating of over 100 during that stretch.
Baltimore’s pass defense has been a surprise so far in 2010
considering the injuries and inexperience in the secondary, but
they’re actually one of the strengths of the team. While
Fitzpatrick has taken good care of the football, he will have
his work cut out for him in the contest. The Ravens defense ranks
in the bottom-half of the league in interceptions and sacks, but
they’ve given up the fourth fewest points. And considering
the fact that Buffalo is 26th in the league in scoring, I’d
say advantage Ravens in that department.
WR Lee Evans, known by many as a deep threat, is averaging only
12 yards per reception this year, the lowest of his career. If
Evans isn’t getting deep and stretching the defense, he’s
not much help to fantasy owners or his Buffalo teammates. He’s
a bottom-feeder WR3 at best right now, and certainly in this match-up.
The player to keep an eye on is Steve Johnson. The third year
WR has scored four TDs in his last three games and is starting
to creep up the fantasy relevance meter. If he does well this
week, his value will continue to increase and he will begin getting
plucked off the waiver wire. All that being said, keep whatever
conservative expectations you have for the Bills in check this
week, as this may be a tough one for the visitors.
Running Game Thoughts: Maybe the only good thing that’s
come from Buffalo’s running attack in 2010 is the trade
of Marshawn Lynch. At least now there are only two RBs for fantasy
owners to contend with regarding Buffalo. But the way Fred Jackson
and CJ Spiller have performed so far, they’re lucky to have
roster spots on fantasy teams at this point. Neither has been
much of a threat, although their roles are becoming clearer: Jackson
appears to be the early-down back, with Spiller filling the third
down role.
I don’t think it matters much, though. While Baltimore’s
run defense isn’t ranked as high as previous years, its
14th-best position should be enough to cause headaches in the
Buffalo running game. Jackson and Spiller may be lucky to combine
for more than 50 yards on the ground.
Projections:
Ryan Fitzpatrick – 175 yards / 1 TD / 2 INTs
Fred Jackson – 35 yards
C.J. Spiller – 20 yards rushing / 25 yards rec
Lee Evans – 55 yards
Steve Johnson – 40 yards / 1 TD
Roscoe Parrish – 25 yards
Jonathan Stupar – 15 yards
Passing
Game Thoughts: The prevailing thought with Joe Flacco owners
I’m sure had to be trying to figure out which was the real
Joe Flacco: the one who in 2009 threw 12 TDs and five INTs in
the first seven games, or the one who in the same year tossed
nine TDs and seven INTs in the last nine games? Perhaps the truth
is somewhere in the middle, which, I believe, is the first half-dozen
or so games in 2010. If only he could maintain some level of consistency,
he’d be the reliable top-10 QB many drafted him to be. But
performances such as throwing three TDs against Cleveland in week
three then following it up with three TDs in the next three games
COMBINED makes for a maddening thought process when deciding to
start him.
Flacco’s up and down play directly affects Anquan Boldin’s
output, including his week 5, one-catch-for-eight-yards clunker.
Boldin, however, continues to be the main cog in a passing game
that’s still incorporating stalwart veterans Derrick Mason
and Todd Heap. Buffalo has the 11th-ranked pass defense but have
surrendered 11 passing TDs—only three teams have given up
more. Boldin and Mason are solid plays this week; Heap is battling
a slight neck injury courtesy of New England’s Brandon Meriweather,
but it looks like he will play nonetheless.
Running Game Thoughts: Someone on the Ravens coaching staff must’ve
heard the obscenities emanating from Ray Rice fantasy owners regarding
the RB’s average production and limited opportunities during
the first quarter of the season. Between rushing attempts and
receptions, Rice has a combined 67 touches in the last two games,
including an eight-catch performance last week against New England.
There’s a good chance Rice will get a boatload of opportunities
this week. Buffalo is last in the league against the run, has
given up the most rushing TDs, and no other team has had more
running plays called against it. Again, expect huge things from
Rice this week. There should even be enough left over for TD-vulture
Willis McGahee.
Projections:
Joe Flacco – 215 yards / 2 TDs
Ray Rice – 110 yards rushing / 45 yards rushing / 1 TD
Willis McGahee – 25 yards rushing / 1 TD
Anquan Boldin – 75 yards / 1 TD
Derrick Mason – 50 yards / 1 TD
Todd Heap – 20 yards
Prediction: Baltimore 31, Buffalo
13 ^ Top
Vikings @ Packers
- (Autry)
Passing
Game Thoughts: Last week against Dallas, Brett Favre threw
for the fewest yards since week 1 in 2009 but was without an interception
for the fist this season. Favre owners can take all the good news
they can get from a player who appears to be a shell of his 2009
self. The addition of Randy Moss could be the remedy for that,
but that continues to be a work in progress. The whole Favre-returns-to-Lambeau
aside, this has the makings of a really good game. The Packers
expect their secondary to be fortified with the return of DBs
Al Harris and Atari Bigby, both of whom should make their season
debut on Sunday night. Clay Matthews is also slated to return
after missing last week with a hamstring injury.
This all means that Favre will have his work cut out for him.
Expect to see several deep balls thrown in Moss’ direction
against Charles Woodson. Moss could get loose for one. Percy Harvin
is a solid slot receiver who supplements his quickness with eye-popping
athleticism, the likes of which aren’t seen in typical slot
receivers. I contend he will continue to be the biggest beneficiary
of Moss’ arrival in Minnesota. Harvin could lead the team
in receptions this week.
Running Game Thoughts: Adrian Peterson is Adrian Peterson. He
continues to do his damage in the running game, but also plays
a role in the passing game. His 15 receptions so far are five
ahead of this time last year. That kind of additional production
from Peterson beyond his rushing duties is like stealing. He should
continue to see an uptick in his receiving numbers until Moss
becomes more involved and more comfortable in the passing attack.
Green Bay has only given up two rushing TDs, so Peterson could
find the sledding a little rough the closer to the goal line he
gets. But with the supplemental production he gets through the
passing game, going without a score is not the true buzz kill
it could be for other RBs.
Projections:
Brett Favre – 220 yards / 2 TDs / 1 INT
Adrian Peterson – 90 yards / 1 TD
Randy Moss – 85 yards / 1 TD
Percy Harvin – 60 yards
Visanthe Shiancoe – 55 yards / 1 TD
Passing
Game Thoughts: I cringe as an Aaron Rodgers owner every
time he drops back to pass. He seemingly takes a hit with each
pass attempt, and that’s certainly not the best recipe for
longevity. But when he does get time, he continues to be the top-3
QB we all chose him to be. His 13 total TDs (10 passing, 3 rushing)
lead the league, but he will continue to battle through losing
his dynamic, seam-stretching TE Jermichael Finley. Andrew Quarless
is decent, but he’s no Finley…obviously. Many have
complained about Donald Driver and Greg Jennings this season—especially
Jennings. But Jennings came through in a big way last week and
had his best game of the season by far. Driver has yet to practice
this week, but says with confidence that he will play.
Production probably won’t be as plentiful this week though.
Minnesota has a top-10 pass defense and has surrendered only six
passing TDs. The good news for Rodgers owners is the Vikings have
only six QB sacks—only Tampa Bay has fewer sacks. Hopefully
Rodgers can remain upright and continue the damage he’s
inflicted on opponents in 2010.
Running Game Thoughts: I’ll admit, I was not the biggest
Ryan Grant fan on the planet. But his injury is showing me how
valuable he was to this team. Brandon Jackson seems to be average,
and John Kuhn is what he is: a glorified fullback. This team will
continue to rely on Rodgers and run perhaps only when necessary.
Jackson is worth a roster spot for those who can stash him away,
but whatever dividends his presence on your roster will pay probably
won’t come for some time—if at all. His production
is too spotty and inconsistent to warrant any serious consideration
as a starter. And oh by the way, the Vikings still have a top-10
run defense. Keep Jackson and Kuhn on your bench.
Projections:
Aaron Rodgers – 240 yards / 2 passing TDs / 1 rushing TDs
Brandon Jackson – 40 yards
John Kuhn – 25 yards
Donald Driver – 85 yards / 1 TD
Greg Jennings – 65 yards / 1 TD
James Jones – 30 yards
Andrew Quarless – 45 yards
Prediction: Green Bay 24, Minnesota
21 ^ Top
Jaguars @ Chiefs
- (Eakin)
Passing
Game Thoughts: An inconsistent and often ugly pass attack
gets potentially worse this week with starter David Garrard (concussion)
and backup Trent Edwards (thumb) both questionable. The Jags signed
Todd Bauman and Patrick Ramsey as emergency replacements in case
neither can play Sunday. The Jags supposed number one WR Mike
Sims-Walker has not lived up to preseason ranking and has actually
been out produced by possession WR Mike Thomas. The lone bright
spot in the receiving core has been TE Marcedes Lewis in large
part to his five scores through six games. If Garrard and/or Edwards
can’t go, then the Jags receiving core is in for a tough
day and should be avoided. Even at full strength this is a tough
match-up. The Chiefs two young CBs Brandon Carr and Brandon Flowers
are having a great season. Flowers leads the league in yards per
catch to opposing WRs, a key stat in evaluating CBs.
Running Game Thoughts: RB Maurice Jones-Drew has struggled at
times this year, and just as he was getting back on track he gets
shut down in a big Monday Night match versus the Titans. His struggles
can be blamed on a multitude of things. The lack of a legitimate
passing threat allows teams to overload the line. Most elite runners
face this challenge and overcome it with big plays but Jones-Drew
seems a bit slow compared to years past. In his last 150 carries
going back to last year he is averaging less than 4 yards per
carry. He is not showing the explosiveness he once had. It may
be time to wonder if his heavy workload has worn him down. He
may post solid results on sheer volume, but the Chiefs run defense
has been stout this year allowing just 90 yards per game. Play
Jones-Drew if you own him, as he is the only offense for the Jags
this week, but don’t expect huge numbers the rest of the
way.
Projections:
Todd Bouman: 155 yds/2 INT
Mike Sims-Walker: 45 yds
Mike Thomas: 60 yds
Marcedes Lewis: 50 yds
Maurice Jones-Drew: 80 yds/35 rec/1 TD
Passing
Game Thoughts: If there is a week to play under-performing
QB Matt Cassel this is it. He’s coming off his best outing
of the year and faces the Jags 28th ranked pass defense. The struggle
of the Jags offense will mean more possessions and more yards
for Cassel. WR Dewayne Bowe has struggled most the year until
last week where he posted six receptions for 108 yards and 2 scores
against an equally weak Houston Texans secondary. Look for Bowe
to follow up on his breakout performance and possibly play up
to preseason expectations for the rest of the way. TE Tony Moeaki
is having a solid rookie year showing signs of being a good TE
for years to come. He is well balanced as a blocker and play-maker.
The only thing holding him back from better production is the
number of options the Chiefs have with Bowe, McCluster, Chambers,
and Jamal Charles. The weakness at the safety position for the
Jags and the extra possessions could easily translate into a better
than average and performance here, making him a sleeper top ten
TE in a week where so many of the league’s top TEs are either
on bye or hurt.
Running Game Thoughts: After six games it’s still tough
to get a read on Todd Haley’s use of the RB duo of Thomas
Jones and Jamal Charles. After a big week five, many speculated
Charles was on his way to the lead role and fantasy greatness
only to see a big dose of Jones week six. My hunch tells me Charles
has a big first half to open up the game while the Chiefs try
to keep their passing attack going. If or perhaps when they get
a comfortable lead, then Jones could play the closing role in
the second half power rushing attack. Both backs are good flex
options and or midlevel RB2’s depending on the size of the
league. I like Charles better in PPR scoring and Jones in antique
standard scoring leagues.
Projections:
Matt Cassel: 250 yds/2 TDs/1 INT
Dwayne Bowe: 80 yds/1 TD
Chris Chambers: 50 yds
Tony Moeaki: 60 yds/1 TD
Jamaal Charles: 85 yds/35 rec
Thomas Jones: 50 yds/1 TD
Prediction: Chiefs 27 Jaguars 10
^ Top
Cardinals @ Seahawks
- (Eakin)
Passing
Game Thoughts: Perhaps QB Max Hall will improve after a
full bye week to gel with the offense. The undrafted rookie is
older than most rookies and is a married man with a family. Because
of this and his emotional maturity, he draws comparisons to Kurt
Warner. That is jumping the gun by a long shot but it shows the
Cards have a lot of confidence in him as a leader. His week four
start came with mixed reviews. He will have the normal growing
pains making the entire offense tough to trust until he begins
he gets more established. It was a positive sign that star WR
Larry Fitzgerald posted decent numbers and was targeted early
and often by Hall. Steve Breaston may be back this week if practice
goes well. He hasn’t had time with Hall as a QB so he is
more risky than normal. The Seattle’s defense is 30th in
pass defense and 2nd in rushing defense. Passing is the best way
to attack them so Fitz should be ok, but he is the only player
worth a start for any fantasy purposes.
Running Game Thoughts: The World still waits for Beanie Wells’
talent to meet up with Beanie Wells’ production. For four
games it was injury and lack of opportunity. Week five saw him
finally get opportunity with 20 carries but he disappointed with
34 yards. He has too much talent to be shutdown like that with
any regularity but he will need some help from the passing game
to open things up. Facing the stiff Seahawk run defense at home
makes for a skeptical chance of breaking out. There are safer
options this week but there is equal optimism in his future as
a lead back with the skill set to be a star.
Projections:
Max Hall: 215 yds/1 TD
Larry Fitzgerald: 80 yds/1 TD
Steve Breaston: 50 yds
Stephen Williams: 40 yds
Beanie Wells: 75 yds/1 TD
Passing
Game Thoughts: The Seahawks passing offense continues to
transition with a new staff, players and now the trade of Deion
Branch to New England. For now, Mike Williams is the lead outside
WR and should see the most targets and catches. Starting opposite
of him is speedy Deon Butler. Butler is deep route runner and
most polished all around WR, which is somewhat limited by the
skill set of Matt Hasselbeck, who makes his living with timing
and accuracy. All Seattle passing players are good plays this
week based on a good matchup versus the struggling Cardinals defense.
Mike Williams should follow up last week’s career high 10
catch 100-plus yards with another good outing because the Seahawks
should score and he remains the biggest red zone threat. He could
easily post a couple TDs this week. At some point prized rookie
Golden Tate will get more involved. He is the most dynamic WR
they have in terms of making plays after the catch but is still
developing his routes and reads.
Running Game Thoughts: This week
should be Marshawn Lynch’s coming out party. He’s
in his third week of learning the offense, his first home game,
and the Cardinals run defense has been a major disappointment.
He’s good for twenty carries and a score. Justin Forsett
is a good change of pace back and receiving down specialist but
his big game last week may be a bit of a mirage. Lynch will continue
to grow as the season progresses and Forsett won’t scores
on 30 yards third down draws every week. Lynch will get most the
scores out of this backfield tandem and Forsett is probably droppable
in most fantasy leagues unless he’s owned as a handcuff.
Projections:
Matt
Hasselbeck: 235 yds/2 TD/1 INT
Mike
Williams: 75 yds/1 TD
Deon
Butler: 60 yds/1 TD
John
Carlson: 35 yds
Marshawn
Lynch: 105 yds/1 TD
Prediction: Seahawks 27 Cardinals
17 ^ Top
Raiders @ Broncos
- (Eakin)
Passing
Game Thoughts: The Raiders need QB Bruce Gradkowski back
sooner than later. The offense ground to halt last week with Jason
Campbell at the helm. Campbell went almost two quarters in the
middle of the game without completing a pass and finished with
a whopping 86 yards. His career as a starter seems all but over.
Campbell is questionable this week with a knee problem which opens
the door for Kyle Boller. The former Cal first rounder has been
a disappointment in his own right, but he may be a better option
than Campbell. Boller will need to get TE Zach Miller more involved
in the offense. Miller suffered his lowest totals of the year
with Campbell which can’t happen when he is their best passing
weapon. On the outside Louis Murphy is the better option over
Darrius Heyward-Bey. Murphy was starting to emerge until injuries
to him and Gradkowski occurred. With Boller or Campbell under
center and the tough match-up of Champ Bailey, this is not a good
week to gamble on him making plays.
Running Game Thoughts: Darren McFadden is nearly recovered from
a pulled hamstring and is questionable to make his return this
week. Michael Bush played well as the feature back but struggled
last week with Campbell under center. HC Tom Cable says this will
be a split backfield once McFadden returns which is bad news all
around in fantasy circles. McFadden was more productive as a featured
back but has shown he may not be durable enough with a heavy workload.
McFadden also has the problem of not being a good fit for the
Raiders scheme which is more of a power run game. If Run DMC rolls
then both backs are marginal flex plays at best in Denver despite
the Denver defense missing some of its most reliable run stoppers.
With the Oakland QB Situation they will struggle to sustain drives.
Projections:
Kyle Boller / Jason Campbell: 150 yds/1 Int
Darrius Heyward-Bey: 30 yds
Louis Murphy: 50 yds
Zach Miller: 60 yds
Michael Bush: 75 yds/1 TD
Passing
Game Thoughts: Kyle Orton had his poorest outing last week
which was expected against a tough Jets defense. He should get
right back on track this week facing an Oakland team that has
good passing yardage allowed numbers but has given up two scores
through the air on average. Orton does a great job spreading the
ball around to many targets which will help neutralize the Nnamdi
effect. Slot WR Donald Royal is questionable. If he can’t
go then Gaffney may move into the slot with Demeryius Thomas starting
outside. Thomas has shown the ability to post big numbers when
called on, and he is healthy again after being slowed for a couple
weeks. If Royal sits he is a nice sleeper option. In the slot
Gaffney is very capable of hauling in 5-10 passes on the Raiders
safeties and Nickel CB Chris Johnson. Brandon Lloyd leads the
league in receiving yards and has been one of the season’s
biggest surprises. He makes his living as the deep threat and
should really benefit from the return of a rushing threat in Knowshon
Moreno.
Running Game Thoughts: Knowshon Moreno is back as the lead back
with little threat for Lawrence Maroney and Correll Buckhalter
taking snaps thanks to their poor showing in his absence. The
Raiders allow 150 yards to opposing rushing attacks making them
a great opponent for Moreno to get back on track. There is still
some risk here though. They are a pass first offense so carries
can be limited. If the game is in hand they may not choose to
push him back in the mix too fast. I still like his chances to
score and catch balls out of the backfield. He is not as dynamic
LeSean McCoy but he could be valuable in a similar manner as one
of the few backs that plays all three downs and gets goal line
work.
Projections:
Kyle Orton: 300 yds/2 TD/1 Int
Brandon Lloyd: 70 yds/1 TD
Jabar Gaffney: 65 yds
Demaryius Thomas: 70 yds/1 TD
Knowshon Moreno: 80 yds/35 rec/1 TD
Prediction: Broncos 27 Raiders
10 ^ Top
Patriots @ Chargers
- (Eakin)
Passing
Game Thoughts: We had our first view of the Patriots post
Moss era last week as the Patriots were able to beat many experts
AFC favorite Baltimore Ravens. Newly acquired Deion Branch came
up big with 98 yards and a score. Branch looks like a great value
moving forward but this is still an offense that changes on a
weekly basis more than most. I like TE Aaron Hernandez to lead
the Patriots receiving core this week. The Chargers LB tandem
of Sean Phillips and Larry English are built to rush the passer
and provide run support. They are not good at covering TEs. The
Chargers have not been one of the best defenses for TEs to exploit
in recent years. Hernandez runs routes like a WR and is the Patriots
leading receiver. Expect him to be featured this week and have
a field day. The Chargers CBs are above average in pass coverage.
They won’t shut a Brady led pass offense down by any means
but they are will match up well with Branch and Welker. Along
with Hernandez, this is a game that Danny Woodhead could also
put up above average numbers. The Pats can split Hernandez out
into four wide sets and isolate Woodhead on the Chargers LBS.
Woodhead will be too quick for them to cover underneath.
Running Game Thoughts: Benjarvis
Green-Ellis should start with Fred Taylor still recovering from
injury. The Chargers are better than most against the run. He
has ability but with Woodhead taking snaps this won’t be
a big day for him unless the Patriots get a big lead or he gets
a few scored from in close. There is a much better chance that
this game becomes a pass heavy shootout featuring two of the league’s
premier pass attacks.
Projections:
Tom
Brady: 315 yds/3 TDs/1 Int
Deion
Branch: 80 yds
Wes
Welker: 70 yds/1 TD
Aaron
Hernandez: 100 yds/1 TD
Danny
Woodhead: 25 yds/55 rec
Benjarvis
Green-Ellis: 50 yds
Passing
Game Thoughts: Philip Rivers has his work cut out for him
entering a potential shootout with Tom Brady potentially missing
his two best targets. TE Antonio Gates is still listed as questionable
with a toe injury but has not practiced this week. There’s
a reasonable chance the Chargers don’t think he can go but
want the Patriots to have to game plan for him. If he does play
he may be limited. Top WR Malcom Floyd pulled a hamstring last
week and is doubtful. Former Cowboy Patrick Crayton played did
well filling in last week scoring and going over 100 yards. Crayton
should be solid against a young New England secondary that is
the best area to attack. Don’t discount the big play ability
of Buster Davis. The former first rounder dropped a couple big
chances but will get the chance to redeem himself with so many
starters out. They both could have big days. Any starting WR in
a Phillip Rivers led offense has the potential for posting numbers.
Running Game Thoughts: Prized rookie
Ryan Mathews should have had his long awaited breakout last week
if it were not for the Chargers falling behind the Rams by three
scores early on. Bowling Ball Mike Tolbert saw just three carries
to Mathews’ sixteen. He looks to be relegated to a Willis
McGahee like goal line role for now. This is a tough week to predict
Mathew’s value. He is a safe start and should see around
twenty touches but the Patriots have been tough to run on. They
allow just less than 50 yards per game to opposing RBs. It will
be interesting to see if the Chargers rely on the run more with
the shallow receiving core. Most likely they come out throwing
to see if they have success on the suspect secondary. If not they
could lean on Mathews since he has been successful in limited
work averaging over five yards per carry.
Projections:
Philip
Rivers: 275 yds/2 TD/1 INT
Buster
Davis: 75 yds/1 TD
Patrick
Crayton: 85 yds/1 TD
Antonio
Gates: 55 yds
Ryan
Mathews: 80 yds/20 rec
Prediction: Chargers 27 Patriots
24 ^ Top
Browns @ Saints
- (Caron)
Passing
Game Thoughts: Perhaps there has been too much criticism
of rookie quarterback Colt McCoy. After being drafted in the third
round and struggling during training camp and the preseason, there
were rumors that he might not even make the team. But after injuries
to Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace, McCoy was given his first
NFL start in Week 6. Unfortunately for him, that start came against
the top defense in the league, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Though
he threw two interceptions, McCoy actually looked a lot better
than most people expected him to—he had over 300 yards of
total offense and threw a touchdown despite being without his
top two targets, Mohamed Massaquoi and Josh Cribbs, for the majority
of the game. Well done, kid.
Though the Saints defense is more susceptible to the pass than
the Steelers, this is still a tough matchup for a rookie quarterback
making his second start. The Saints have allowed multiple touchdowns
only one time this season and are known for their ability to force
turnovers. McCoy is expected to be without Massaquoi and Cribbs
this week, meaning he’ll be relying on the likes of Benjamin
Watson, Chansi Stuckey, and Brian Robiskie. He did well last week
with those options, but let’s not get carried away—McCoy
I still pretty far away from being fantasy relevant.
Running Game Thoughts: Held out of the end zone for the first
time in 2010, Browns running back Peyton Hillis suffered his first
sub–double-digit fantasy game of the season against a very
good Steelers defense. With 90 yards on 18 touches, though, Hillis
didn’t cost many people their fantasy games. It’s
shocking to think that a guy who was listed as the third running
back on the Browns’ roster going into the season is now
considered pretty much an every-week must-start in fantasy leagues.
Instead of facing one of the best defenses in the league this
week, Hillis gets a New Orleans Saints defense which currently
ranks 24th against opposing running backs and is allowing an average
of over 100 yards per game on the ground. Hillis has missed some
practice time this week, but he did last week as well and was
still able to go. Make sure to check the injury reports on Sunday
morning, but if he’s able to go, he should be in most lineups.
Projections:
Colt McCoy – 170 yards passing / 1 TD / 2 INT / 15 yards
rushing
Peyton Hillis – 80 yards rushing / 1 TD / 30 yards receiving
Chansi Stuckey – 40 yards receiving / 0 TD
Brian Robiskie – 30 yards receiving / 0 TD
Ben Watson – 45 yards receiving / 1 TD
Evan Moore – 20 yards receiving / 0 TD
Passing
Game Thoughts: It has been surprisingly more difficult
than many expected for Drew Brees this season, but he is coming
off his second 20-plus point fantasy game and his fourth multiple-touchdown
game of the year. However, with six interceptions in his last
four games, Brees hasn’t been quite as consistent as he
usually is.
Still, Brees could very well be on his way to his third 20-plus
point game, as the Browns haven’t been very good at stopping
opposing quarterbacks this season. Having allowed a three touchdown
performance to Ben Roethlisberger in his first game back in 2010,
the Browns pass defense could be in for a very tough day against
one of the best fantasy quarterbacks in the league.
Running Game Thoughts: Who is Chris Ivory and where did he come
from? What a performance he had in a dominating Saints win over
Tampa Bay in Week 6. Though he didn’t score a touchdown
and hasn’t yet this season, Ivory’s 158 yards rushing
have to make him the team’s new “starter”—as
long as Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush are out, that is.
What sounds like an easy matchup against the Browns may actually
be more difficult than expected for the combination of Chris Ivory,
Julius Jones, and Ladell Betts. Ranked 8th in the league in points
allowed to opposing running backs, the Browns have allowed just
one rushing touchdown this season. Though Ivory is the guy to
play if you’re in need, this probably isn’t the best
time to take a chance on him.
Projections:
Drew Brees – 260 yards passing / 3 TD / 1 INT
Chris Ivory – 60 yards rushing / 0 TD
Julius Jones – 40 yards rushing / 0 TD
Ladell Betts – 30 yards rushing / 0 TD / 15 yards receiving
Marques Colston – 45 yards receiving / 1 TD
Robert Meachem – 60 yards receiving / 1 TD
Lance Moore – 80 yards receiving / 0 TD
Jeremy Shockey – 25 yards receiving / 1 TD
Prediction: Browns 17, Saints 27
^ Top
49ers @ Panthers
- (Caron)
Passing
Game Thoughts: With five touchdown passes in his last two
games, 49ers quarterback Alex Smith may have finally gotten the
message that it’s time for him to step up if he wants to
keep his job. The 49ers got their first win of the season in Week
6 when they defeated the Oakland Raiders and, although he completed
less than 50% of his passes, Smith has finally started to get
the ball to Michael Crabtree—and that’s probably the
best way for him to avoid hearing the crowd chant for David Carr.
Crabtree and tight end Vernon Davis have combined for five touchdowns
in the past three games, but they face a defense that ranks in
the top 5 in points allowed to both wide receivers and tight ends.
Then again, those numbers are pretty heavily skewed after the
ridiculous game they had against Todd Collins and the Chicago
Bears in Week 5. Expect the 49ers to have decent success passing
the ball, but they will likely still lean on the running game
to move them down the field.
Running Game Thoughts: Perhaps the
most consistent running back in the league this season, the 49ers’
Frank Gore has absolutely dominated opposing defenses thus far.
He’s coming off a 149-yard performance against the Raiders
in Week 6, and the 49ers may finally be using their stud running
back the way they should—getting him the rock at least 25
times per game.
If Gore touches the ball 25 or more times against the Panthers,
expect more dominance to come. Carolina ranks 26th in the league
in points allowed to opposing running backs, and they allowed
over 200 rushing yards to the Bears in their last game in Week
5. The Panthers will need to stack the box if they hope to have
even a chance of shutting down Frank Gore. Expect big things this
week from number 21.
Projections:
Alex Smith – 170 yards passing / 2 TD / 2 INT
Frank Gore – 135 yards rushing / 1 TD / 30 yards receiving
Michael Crabtree – 60 yards receiving / 1 TD
Vernon Davis / 50 yards receiving / 1 TD
Passing
Game Thoughts: Matt Moore was bad, so they bench him. Jimmy
Clausen was bad, so they bench him, too—for Matt Moore?
This is just an awful situation and absolutely no one in this
offense benefits from how bad this passing game has been. The
only person who might rather see Moore at quarterback as opposed
to Clausen would be wide receiver Steve Smith, who seems to have
some sort of bond with Moore, having scored in both games Moore
started earlier this season. But even so, Smith is coming off
of an injury and can’t be considered a fantasy stud again
until we see some sort of production from this offense.
To make matters worse, the Panthers will be facing a 49ers defense
that allowed just 83 yards passing to the Raiders in Week 6—while
intercepting two passes and forcing a fumble. Stay away from this
passing game if at all possible.
Running Game Thoughts: The last time we saw the Panthers in Week
5, it was another game, another disappointing fantasy performance
for what was perceived by many to be the best running back duo
in the league. Having scored a total of just three touchdowns
combined and with neither running back cracking the 100-yard rushing
mark this season, the duo of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart
has to be considered one of the most disappointing fantasy situations
in 2010.
Steve Smith being back in the lineup should help give the running
game more room, but the 49ers have also been pretty stingy with
keeping opposing running backs out of the end zone, having allowed
just three rushing touchdowns so far this season. The Panthers
offense is so bad that not even formerly elite fantasy players
like DeAngelo Williams are must-starts anymore.
Projections:
Matt Moore – 155 yards passing / 1 TD / 1 INT / 25 yards
rushing
DeAngelo Williams – 85 yards rushing / 0 TD / 10 yards receiving
/ 1 TD
Jonathan Stewart – 35 yards rushing / 0 TD / 10 yards receiving
Steve Smith – 55 yards receiving / 0 TD
Prediction: San Francisco 24, Carolina
13 ^ Top
Rams @ Buccaneers
- (Caron)
Passing
Game Thoughts: With his first professional game where he
didn’t throw an interception, Sam Bradford led the Rams
to their third win of the season, this time over a Chargers team
that many experts expected to blow them out. It wasn’t a
pretty victory, but Bradford did an excellent job controlling
the pace of the game.
Bradford does have a chance to produce some fantasy numbers this
week against a Buccaneers pass defense that has allowed multiple
passing touchdowns in three straight games. Unfortunately for
him, they have also been excellent at forcing turnovers, having
already intercepted 10 passes in five games this season. Bradford
is certainly not immune to throwing picks, so this could be an
interesting test for the rookie quarterback.
Running Game Thoughts: The best place to attack the Buccaneers
is on the ground. This is a team that has allowed over 115 yards
rushing in each of their last four games, including 210 yards
to the Saints, who were without Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush.
This is an easy must-start for running back Steven Jackson, who
has rushed for over 100 yards in two straight games and has produced
double-digit points in five straight games—points that have
come mostly against better defenses than Tampa Bay’s. Jackson
is in the conversation as the league’s best overall running
back, so benching him against such a terrible defense is a recipe
for frustration—get him in your lineup this week if you
have him.
Projections:
Sam Bradford – 180 yards passing / 1 TD / 2 INT
Steven Jackson – 140 yards rushing / 1 TD / 20 yards receiving
Danario Alexander – 45 yards rushing / 1 TD
Danny Amendola – 55 yards receiving / 0 TD
Brandon Gibson – 30 yards receiving / 0 TD
Passing
Game Thoughts: He hasn’t been very flashy, but second-year
quarterback Josh Freeman has been fairly consistent this season
with 12-16 points per week. He has thrown just three interceptions
to six touchdowns, so avoiding negative points has been one of
the biggest ways Freeman has helped his fantasy owners, despite
not setting the world on fire with his offensive statistics. Freeman’s
favorite target, rookie wide receiver Mike Williams, seems to
be on the verge of breaking out and is definitely in contention
for rookie of the year. The only problems is that opposing defenses
seem to know this, and Williams is getting a lot more attention
from defenses than most rookies do.
The Rams shocked many experts when they held Philip Rivers to
just 11 fantasy points in their Week 6 win over his Chargers.
St. Louis has now held opposing quarterbacks to one or no touchdown
passes in five of their first six games this season. Expect that
trend to continue this week, as the Buccaneers passing offense
isn’t very explosive.
Running Game Thoughts: No thanks. The Buccaneers running game
just can’t be trusted. Cadillac has now been held to less
than 35 yards rushing in each of his past three games and has
not scored a single touchdown this season. The best back in this
offense has actually been Earnest Graham, who didn’t touch
the ball in Week 6 after aggravating a hamstring injury. Graham
is expected to be back this week, but the lack of carries he receives
makes him a very tough play. Don’t expect anyone in this
running game to be much of a fantasy factor in 2010, even when
they go up against average defenses like St. Louis.
Projections:
Josh
Freeman – 225 yards passing / 1 TD / 0 INT / 15 yards rushing
Cadillac
Williams – 35 yards rushing / 0 TD / 30 yards receiving
Earnest
Graham – 25 yards rushing / 0 TD / 20 yards receiving
Mike
Williams – 70 yards receiving / 1 TD
Kellen
Winslow – 50 yards receiving / 0 TD
Prediction: St. Louis 14, Tampa
Bay 16 ^ Top
Eagles @ Titans
- (Caron)
Passing
Game Thoughts: It’s a good problem to have when both
of your quarterbacks have been excellent. Andy Reid’s duo
of Kevin Kolb and Mike Vick has led his team to a 4-2 record and
a share of the lead in the NFC East. Kolb is coming off of a 326
yard, three touchdown performance in a Week 6 win over Atlanta
Falcons. Unfortunately, Kolb will be without his top receiver,
DeSean Jackson, who suffered a concussion from a vicious hit in
last Sunday’s game. Kolb, however, seemed to establish an
excellent connection with Jeremy Maclin and even Jason Avant,
who both tore up the Falcons secondary.
The Titans looked good in Week 6, forcing three combined interceptions
by David Garrard and Trent Edwards in their dominating win. Then
again, stopping the Jaguars passing game has to be considered
a much easier task than stopping the high-powered Eagles aerial
assault. Don’t look for a repeat performance from the Titans
secondary this week, but also temper your expectations of Kolb.
Running Game Thoughts: Running back LeSean McCoy took a backseat
(in terms of fantasy production) to Kolb and the passing game
in Week 6, but don’t expect things to be so lopsided this
week. McCoy has now touched the ball more than 20 times in four
of his past five games, and he is second in the league in pass
receptions by a running back. He has scored 13 or more fantasy
points in four of his first six games this season, and his receptions
make him especially valuable in PPR leagues.
The Titans have been very good at stopping opposing running backs,
having allowed just one rushing touchdown on the year. One of
the things that they have not been quite as good at, however,
is defending those backs in the passing game. They have allowed
nearly six receptions per game to opposing backs, which could
bode well for McCoy and his receiving abilities.
Projections:
Kevin Kolb – 255 yards passing / 2 TD / 2 INT
LeSean McCoy – 65 yards rushing / 0 TD / 45 yards receiving
/ 1 TD
Jeremy Maclin – 80 yards receiving / 1 TD
Jason Avant – 60 yards receiving / 0 TD
Brent Celek – 50 yards receiving / 0 TD
Passing
Game Thoughts: Listed as “questionable” on
the injury report, Vince Young could leave the Titans without
their regular starter. Young went down with a knee injury and
was reportedly concerned that his season might be over after a
fumbled snap turned into a pileup in the backfield during Monday
night’s win over the Jaguars. If Young is unable to play,
the Titans will turn to backup Kerry Collins, who was surprisingly
effective in relief of Young during the Monday night game.
Whoever the quarterback is, though, this simply isn’t a
good matchup for the Titans passing offense. The Eagles have held
opposing quarterbacks to under 200 yards passing in half of their
games this season, while forcing at least one interception in
every contest. Whoever is under center will have a tough time,
as the Eagles will do what they do best—bring pressure.
And whether it’s a slowed-down Vince Young or the concrete-footed
Kerry Collins, he could be taking quite a few hits. Receiver Kenny
Britt has scored in four straight games, but he may have a tough
time making it five this week.
Running Game Thoughts: If not for a long touchdown run late in
Monday night’s blowout win, Chris Johnson would have had
a very pedestrian game against a mediocre Jacksonville Jaguars
run defense. Though we can’t discredit that run, it’s
hard to completely trust him to do that every week. Johnson hasn’t
been quite as productive in 2010 as expected by those who drafted
him first overall, but he is third in the league in rushing yards
per game and remains a valuable asset in the passing game.
The Eagles have done a great job shutting down Frank Gore and
Michael Turner in back-to-back weeks, and they hope to make it
three straight solid performances against top-tier running backs
this week when they face Chris Johnson. If not for Jahvid Best
completely destroying their defense with catches, Philadelphia
would be ranked significantly higher than 22nd against opposing
backs. Tennessee will certainly lean heavily on Chris Johnson,
but that might not translate into as many fantasy points as you
would normally expect from him.
Projections:
Kerry
Collins – 165 yards passing / 1 TD / 2 INT
Chris
Johnson – 105 yards rushing / 1 TD / 20 yards receiving /
0 TD
Kenny
Britt – 45 yards receiving / 0 TD
Nate
Washington – 40 yards receiving / 1 TD
Bo
Scaife – 35 yards receiving / 0 TD
Prediction: Philadelphia 17, Tennessee
14 ^ Top
Bengals @ Falcons
- (Caron)
Passing
Game Thoughts: It has been a very on-and-off season for
Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer so far this season. He has struggled
with his accuracy all year so far and it has cost him in the form
of six interceptions through his first five games. Certainly the
bye week was used to get his connection down with receivers Chad
Ochocinco, Terrell Owens, and Jordan Shipley as well as tight
end Jermaine Gresham, but time will tell whether Palmer’s
accuracy issues will continue. Owens has outshined Ochocinco so
far this season including 324 yards and two touchdowns over the
previous two games prior to the bye week. Look for Palmer to continue
to look his way, but certainly Ochocinco will begin to pout if
the ball doesn’t start to go his way more.
After four out of five games in which the Falcons secondary forced
more interceptions than they allowed touchdowns, they fell back
into their 2009 slide last week when they allowed Philadelphia
Eagles quarterback Kevin Kolb to slice them apart for 3 touchdowns.
If he’s on, expect a nice game from Carson Palmer an d the
Bengals passing game as a whole—then again, there’s
always the chance that going on the road to a hostile territory
in Atlanta will turn to more interceptions than touchdowns.
Running Game Thoughts: We got our
first glimpse of the Cedric Benson we all remembered from 2009
in the Bengals’ last game against the Buccaneers. Benson
ran the ball 23 times for 144 yards and although he failed to
get into the end zone, he certainly helped instill confidence
in those of us who drafted him hoping that he would have back-to-back
nice seasons. Benson had been mostly mediocre prior to the Week
5 contest, though, and had failed to crack 100 total yards yet
on the year. Fortunately, he remains by far the most valuable
player in this backfield and should see almost all of the carries
going forward.
Unfortunately, those carries might not translate to much success
this week against an Atlanta defense which has done a fairly good
job of stopping opposing running backs. The Falcons are certainly
more vulnerable to the passing game and it appears that the Bengals
are very comfortable with passing many times, so don’t expect
Benson to get 25+ touches again like he did in Week 5.
Projections:
Carson Palmer – 255 yards passing / 2 TD / 2 INT
Cedric Benson – 70 yards rushing / 1 TD / 10 yards receiving
Chad Ochocinco – 80 yards receiving / 1 TD
Terrell Owens – 65 yards receiving / 0 TD
Jordan Shipley – 30 yards receiving / 0 TD
Jermaine Gresham – 35 yards receiving / 1 TD
Passing
Game Thoughts: The only consistent thing on this team this
season has been the play of wide receiver Roddy White. With double-digit
fantasy points in five of the first six weeks, White is an every-week
must start regardless of his opponent for every fantasy team.
Quarterback Matt Ryan knows that the rest of the weapons in this
offense are rather lackluster and he targets White by far the
most of any player. White has made 5+ catches in every game this
season and there’s no reason to believe that won’t
continue.
The only other player in this passing game who has been of any
fantasy value thus far has been tight end Tony Gonzalez, who only
had 19 yards in Week 6, but made it count with two touchdown receptions.
The Bengals have had a tough time shutting down worse tight ends
this season, so don’t be surprised to see Gonzalez make
it three touchdowns in two games. He may be getting up there in
age, but Gonzalez simply knows where to be on the field.
Running Game Thoughts: What a
frustrating situation it has been to be a Michael Turner owner.
Considered to be one of the top backs going into the season and
a first round pick in almost every league, Turner has scored just
one touchdown this season and has been held to under 80 total
yards and single-digit fantasy points in four of the Falcons’
first six games. While there is certainly something to be said
about keeping him healthy and not force-feeding him the ball too
much to start the season, this isn’t the beginning that
Turner’s fantasy owners had hoped for.
The trend of fantasy mediocrity could definitely continue this
week, however, as the Falcons face a Bengals defense that has
allowed just three total touchdowns to opposing running backs
in 2010. Turner definitely has the talent to breakthrough, but
the lack of opportunities he has been given in the running game
combined with his continued non-usage in the passing game don’t
necessarily make him a must-start this week.
Projections:
Matt Ryan – 215 yards passing / 2 TD / 1 INT
Michael Turner – 80 yards rushing / 1 TD
Jason Snelling – 20 yards rushing / 0 TD / 10 yards receiving
Roddy White – 90 yards receiving / 1 TD
Michael Jenkins – 50 yards receiving / 0 TD
Tony Gonzalez – 35 yards receiving / 1 TD
Prediction: Bengals 24, Falcons
27
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